“The Sign,” an episode of the children’s show Bluey, incorporates an ancient Chinese parable that mirrors the themes addressed in Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s talk, “All Things for Our Good.” Both the Bluey episode and Elder Gong’s talk utilize the story of the farmer whose fortunes fluctuate with the events befalling his horse and son to explore themes of perspective, the ebb and flow of life’s fortunes, and the ultimate reconciliation of events as part of a larger, beneficial design.
In Elder Gong’s talk, the story is used to illustrate a spiritual and providential view: that all things, whether they initially appear good or bad, are part of a divine plan that ultimately works for our good, especially for those who love and trust in God. This perspective is encouraged as a way to see beyond immediate circumstances and to trust in a larger divine plan for personal growth and spiritual progress.
In “The Sign,” Bluey’s interpretation of the parable, as presented through her teacher Calypso, similarly advises against becoming too attached to immediate outcomes and instead maintaining faith that things will unfold as they should. This message is woven through the narrative as characters experience a series of seemingly unfortunate events that unexpectedly lead to beneficial outcomes, suggesting that life’s apparent setbacks can lead to hidden blessings.
Both iterations encourage a view of life that is patient and trusting, urging an acceptance of life’s unpredictability while maintaining faith in the ultimate benevolence of the outcome, whether it be through divine providence as suggested by Elder Gong or the natural unfolding of events as portrayed in #Bluey.
